Italian frigate joins multinational mission to protect Cyprus

The Italian frigate Federico Martinengo has arrived in the waters off Cyprus to support the island following attacks linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, citing sources, the vessel is part of an operation aimed at protecting Cyprus.

The frigate is carrying at least 160 personnel from the Italian Navy and is participating in a coordinated mission alongside Spain, France, and the Netherlands. The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is also operating in the area.

The Federico Martinengo previously took part in the European Union naval mission EUNAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea. The frigate returned last year to the naval base in Taranto after completing operations aimed at protecting commercial shipping from threats posed by the Houthis.

By Tamilla Hasanova